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(info about the Alpha Slot itself divorced from the mechanics of the possible slotted abilities which was spun off to Alpha Slot Abilities.)
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== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
[[File:Incarnate Alpha Blank.png]] The '''Alpha Slot''' is the first "level" of the [[Incarnate System]], which launched with [[Issue 19]], and requires a [[Going Rogue]] retail code to utilize.
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{{req sub}}
 
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The Common and Uncommon boosts were released with [[Issue 19]]; the Rare and Very Rare boosts are scheduled for a later date.
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''See also'': [[Incarnate System]] | [[Alpha Slot Abilities]] | [[Incarnate Shard]]s | [[Incarnate Component]]s | [[Incarnate]]
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[[File:Incarnate Alpha Blank.png|left]] The '''Alpha Slot''' is the first "level" of the [[Incarnate System]], which launched with [[Issue 19]], and requires a [[VIP Player|subscription]] to utilize. The Alpha Slot includes a [[Level Shift]] at higher tiers.
  
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The Common and Uncommon boosts were released with [[Issue 19]]; the Rare and Very Rare boosts were released with the [[Strike Pack]], a post [[Issue 19]] update on February 2, 2011.
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{{clrl}}
 
== Alpha Slot Benefits ==
 
== Alpha Slot Benefits ==
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The Alpha Slot can be unlocked in several ways:
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# By completing [[Mender Ramiel]]'s arc, which is meant to introduce a character to the Incarnate System by advancing the in-game story-line and lore, and explaining the mechanics of how the Incarnate System works.
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# Earning [[Incarnate Experience]], either ''Physical'' or ''Psychic'', by running [[Incarnate Trial]]s.
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# Directly purchasing Incarnate Experience, either ''Physical'' or ''Psychic'', using Incarnate Threads and [[Inf]].
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# Purchasing an [[Incarnate Merit Vendor#Voucher Purchases|Unlock Alpha Slot Voucher]] from [[Incarnate Merit Vendor|Astral Christy]] for 5 [[Astral Merit]]s.
  
The Alpha Slot can be unlocked by completing [[Mender Ramiel]]'s arc, which is meant to introduce one's character to the Incarnate System by advancing the in-game story-line and lore and by explaining the mechanics of how the Incarnate System works.
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A character can access their Incarnate Abilities Window even before any Incarnate Slots are unlocked, where they can manage all their Incarnate abilities.
 
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Once the Alpha Slot is unlocked the character:
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* can fill the Alpha Slot with an [[Alpha Slot Ability]] which can grant universal power aspect enhancements, a level shift, and bonuses to certain in-game tasks.
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* start getting [[Incarnate Shard]]s as a drop from defeating foes that are Level 50+.
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* start getting [[Incarnate Component]]s or [[Incarnate Shard]]s as a reward for certain Raids and Task Forces.
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* access their Incarnate Abilities Window in which they can manage all their Incarnate abilities which includes crafting and equipping Incarnate components and abilities.
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* access a [[Multiple Builds|third build]]. (Incarnate abilities apply to all builds.)
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* can join activities restricted to [[Incarnate]]s. As of [[Issue 19]], that is the [[Tin Mage Mark II Task Force|Tin Mage]] and [[Apex Task Force|Apex]] Task Forces.
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Once the Alpha Slot is unlocked, the character:
 +
* can fill the Alpha Slot with an [[Alpha Slot Abilities|Alpha Slot Ability]] which can grant universal power aspect enhancements, a level shift, and bonuses to certain in-game tasks.
 +
* starts getting [[Incarnate Shard Component|Incarnate Shards]] as a drop from defeating foes.
 +
* starts getting [[Incarnate Component]]s or Incarnate Shards as a reward for certain Raids and Task Forces.
 +
* can access a [[Multiple Builds|third build]].
 +
* can join activities restricted to [[Incarnate]]s. This includes the [[Tin Mage Mark II Task Force|Tin Mage]] and [[Apex Task Force|Apex]] Task Forces.
 +
** If the Alpha Slot is empty, the character suffers from a -4 [[Level Shift]] during these activities.
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** If the Alpha Slot has an ability slotted, the character does not suffer from the negative shift during these activities.
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* can receive the [[Notice of the Well]] Incarnate Component from the [[Weekly Strike Target]].
  
 
== The Unlocking Process ==
 
== The Unlocking Process ==
 
 
The normal course of unlocking the Alpha Slot follows this general plan:
 
The normal course of unlocking the Alpha Slot follows this general plan:
 
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# Run [[Mender Ramiel]]'s arc to unlock the Alpha Slot and get the character's first [[Incarnate Shard Component|Incarnate Shard]]
# Run [[Mender Ramiel]]'s arc to unlock the Alpha Slot and get your first [[Incarnate Shard]]
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# Determine which [[Alpha Slot Abilities|Alpha Slot Ability]] works best for said character. That will determine which [[Incarnate Component]]s are required to craft.
# Determine which [[Alpha Slot Ability]] you want for your character. That will determine which [[Incarnate Components]] you will need to get or craft.
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# Run the Task Forces or Raids needed to get those specific Incarnate Components. Alternatively, a character can accumulate enough Incarnate Shards from defeating Level 50+ foes in order to craft the Components necessary.  The second method is usually more time consuming, but is accessible for more casual players.
# Run the Task Forces or Raids you need to get those specific [[Incarnate Component]]s. Alternatively, you can accumulate enough [[Incarnate Shard]]s from defeating Level 50+ foes in order to craft the Components you need.
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# Craft and equip the Alpha Slot Ability.
# Craft and equip the [[Alpha Slot Ability]].
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# The character can now work towards another or a higher tiered Alpha Slot Ability.
# You can now work towards another or higher tiered [[Alpha Slot Ability]].
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# You can now create a [[Multiple Builds|third build]] to utilize the [[Alpha Slot Ability]] or respec one of your other builds to take advantage of it (and also [[Inherent Fitness]] which was introduced at the same time). (Or, you can use your Third Build in whatever way you wish.)
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# You can now participate in the [[Tin Mage Mark II Task Force|Tin Mage]] and [[Apex Task Force|Apex]] Task Forces without suffering a -4 Level Shift imposed on those who do not have their Alpha Slot slotted with an ability.
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== Alpha Slot Mechanics ==
 
== Alpha Slot Mechanics ==
 
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* With regard to the Tin Mage and Apex Task Forces, a character is prevented by the game from joining if they do not have the Alpha Slot unlocked. If the Alpha Slot is unlocked, but is not slotted with an Alpha Slot Ability, then they can participate, but at a -4 Level Shift. Thus, they will be at eight levels lower than the Level 54 foes, hitting at 5% of their normal damage due to the Purple Patch.
* The effects of the [[Alpha Slot Ability]] function [[exemplar]]ed down to Level 45. Under that level, they stop working. At level 45 and higher, they work for all game content, not just [[Incarnate]] content.
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* All Common and Uncommon Alpha [[Incarnate Component]]s can be crafted from [[Incarnate Shard Component|Incarnate Shards]]; therefore, no one specific Raid or Task Force is required to create a Common or Uncommon Ability.
 
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*Rare-tier Alpha abilities require a [[Notice of the Well Component|Notice of the Well]] uncommon salvage which can be acquired by running the [[Weekly Strike Target]].
* With regard to the [[Tin Mage Mark II Task Force|Tin Mage]] and [[Apex Task Force|Apex]] Task Forces, a character is prevented by the game from joining if they do not have the Alpha Slot unlocked. If the Alpha Slot is unlocked, but is not slotted with an [[Alpha Slot Ability]], then they can participate, but at a -4 Level Shift. Thus, they will be at -8 Levels to the Level 54 foes hitting at 5% of their normal damage.
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*Very Rare-tier Alpha Abilities require a [[Favor of the Well Component|Favor of the Well]] that can be crafted from two [[Notice of the Well Component|Notice of the Well]], it also consumes any two Rare-tier Alphas in order to craft the Very Rare one.
 
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* The reason why the Incarnate Component [[Gr'ai Matter Component|Gr'ai Matter]] can be bought with [[Vanguard Merit]]s is because the [[Rikti Ship Raid|Rikti Mothership Raid]] doesn't have a reward table for completing it.
* All [[Incarnate Components]] can be crafted from [[Incarnate Shard]]s, therefore, no one specific Raid or Task Force is required to create a specific [[Alpha Slot Ability]].
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* Characters can switch between Alpha Abilities by simply equipping a new ability. The old ability is not lost, but simply switched out. There is a 5 minute cool down between equips. Also, equipping an ability is prohibited by being in combat and may require additional cool down time or leaving the mission to equip.
 
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** The Alpha Ability cannot be slotted or changed in Ouroboros. 
* The reason why the [[Incarnate Component]] [[Gr'ai Matter Component|Gr'ai Matter]] can be bought with [[Vanguard Merit]]s is because the [[Rikti Ship Raid|Rikti Mothership Raid]] doesn't have a reward table for completing it.
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* Higher-tier Alpha Abilities consume a lower tier ability when crafted. Characters can have several higher-tiered abilities, but if they're in the same 'tree', then they'll have to re-craft the lower tiered ability again for each higher-tiered ability they want to have.
 
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* You can switch between [[Alpha Slot Ability|Alpha Slot Abilities]] by simply equipping a new ability. The old ability is not lost, but simply switched out. There is a 5 minute cool down between equips. Also, equipping an ability is prohibited by being in combat and may require additional cool down time or leaving the mission to equip.
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* Higher-tier abilities consume a lower tier ability when crafted. You can have several higher-tiered abilities, but if they're in the same 'tree', then you'll have to re-craft the lower tiered ability again for each higher-tiered ability you want to have.
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== Historical ==
 
== Historical ==
 
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{{Historical|reason=change}}
The Alpha Slot was initially supposed to launch ''with'' Going Rogue, but beta feedback said without content to play with the Alpha Slot, the system felt incomplete, so it was pushed back[http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=229365].
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* The Alpha Slot was initially supposed to launch ''with'' Going Rogue, but beta feedback said without content to play with the Alpha Slot, the system felt incomplete, so it was pushed back[http://web.archive.org/web/20120906055401/http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=229365].
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* The Alpha Slot was added to the game in [[Issue 19]]; at that time, the only way to unlock it was via [[Mender Ramiel]]'s story arc.
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* When [[Incarnate Experience]] was added to the game as a reward from the [[Lambda Sector]] and [[Behavioral Adjustment Facility]] Trials in [[Issue 20]], the Alpha Slot was also made unlockable via both '''Psychic''' and '''Physical''' Incarnate Experience.
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* When [[Incarnate Merit Vendors]] were added to the game in [[Issue 20.5]], an Unlock Alpha Slot Token was made available for 5 [[Astral Merits]]. This token can be purchased by any character on an account, and is awarded as a [[Character Item]].
  
 
== External Links ==
 
== External Links ==
* [http://goingrogue.na.cityofheroes.com/en/game-info/incarnates/lore.html Incarnate Lore] on [http://www.cityofheroes.com cityofheroes.com]
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* [http://web.archive.org/web/20111201232324/http://goingrogue.na.cityofheroes.com/en/game-info/incarnates/lore.html Official Incarnate Lore]
* [http://goingrogue.na.cityofheroes.com/en/game-info/incarnates/alpha-slot.html Alpha Slot details] on [http://www.cityofheroes.com cityofheroes.com]
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* [http://web.archive.org/web/20111201232441/http://goingrogue.na.cityofheroes.com/en/game-info/incarnates/alpha-slot.html Official Alpha Slot details]
  
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{{Navbox Incarnate System}}
 
[[Category:Incarnate System]]
 
[[Category:Incarnate System]]

Latest revision as of 21:15, 3 November 2013

Overview

Icon vip.png Requires a VIP subscription.

Incarnate Alpha Blank.png
The Alpha Slot is the first "level" of the Incarnate System, which launched with Issue 19, and requires a subscription to utilize. The Alpha Slot includes a Level Shift at higher tiers.

The Common and Uncommon boosts were released with Issue 19; the Rare and Very Rare boosts were released with the Strike Pack, a post Issue 19 update on February 2, 2011.

Alpha Slot Benefits

The Alpha Slot can be unlocked in several ways:

  1. By completing Mender Ramiel's arc, which is meant to introduce a character to the Incarnate System by advancing the in-game story-line and lore, and explaining the mechanics of how the Incarnate System works.
  2. Earning Incarnate Experience, either Physical or Psychic, by running Incarnate Trials.
  3. Directly purchasing Incarnate Experience, either Physical or Psychic, using Incarnate Threads and Inf.
  4. Purchasing an Unlock Alpha Slot Voucher from Astral Christy for 5 Astral Merits.

A character can access their Incarnate Abilities Window even before any Incarnate Slots are unlocked, where they can manage all their Incarnate abilities.

Once the Alpha Slot is unlocked, the character:

  • can fill the Alpha Slot with an Alpha Slot Ability which can grant universal power aspect enhancements, a level shift, and bonuses to certain in-game tasks.
  • starts getting Incarnate Shards as a drop from defeating foes.
  • starts getting Incarnate Components or Incarnate Shards as a reward for certain Raids and Task Forces.
  • can access a third build.
  • can join activities restricted to Incarnates. This includes the Tin Mage and Apex Task Forces.
    • If the Alpha Slot is empty, the character suffers from a -4 Level Shift during these activities.
    • If the Alpha Slot has an ability slotted, the character does not suffer from the negative shift during these activities.
  • can receive the Notice of the Well Incarnate Component from the Weekly Strike Target.

The Unlocking Process

The normal course of unlocking the Alpha Slot follows this general plan:

  1. Run Mender Ramiel's arc to unlock the Alpha Slot and get the character's first Incarnate Shard
  2. Determine which Alpha Slot Ability works best for said character. That will determine which Incarnate Components are required to craft.
  3. Run the Task Forces or Raids needed to get those specific Incarnate Components. Alternatively, a character can accumulate enough Incarnate Shards from defeating Level 50+ foes in order to craft the Components necessary. The second method is usually more time consuming, but is accessible for more casual players.
  4. Craft and equip the Alpha Slot Ability.
  5. The character can now work towards another or a higher tiered Alpha Slot Ability.

Alpha Slot Mechanics

  • With regard to the Tin Mage and Apex Task Forces, a character is prevented by the game from joining if they do not have the Alpha Slot unlocked. If the Alpha Slot is unlocked, but is not slotted with an Alpha Slot Ability, then they can participate, but at a -4 Level Shift. Thus, they will be at eight levels lower than the Level 54 foes, hitting at 5% of their normal damage due to the Purple Patch.
  • All Common and Uncommon Alpha Incarnate Components can be crafted from Incarnate Shards; therefore, no one specific Raid or Task Force is required to create a Common or Uncommon Ability.
  • Rare-tier Alpha abilities require a Notice of the Well uncommon salvage which can be acquired by running the Weekly Strike Target.
  • Very Rare-tier Alpha Abilities require a Favor of the Well that can be crafted from two Notice of the Well, it also consumes any two Rare-tier Alphas in order to craft the Very Rare one.
  • The reason why the Incarnate Component Gr'ai Matter can be bought with Vanguard Merits is because the Rikti Mothership Raid doesn't have a reward table for completing it.
  • Characters can switch between Alpha Abilities by simply equipping a new ability. The old ability is not lost, but simply switched out. There is a 5 minute cool down between equips. Also, equipping an ability is prohibited by being in combat and may require additional cool down time or leaving the mission to equip.
    • The Alpha Ability cannot be slotted or changed in Ouroboros.
  • Higher-tier Alpha Abilities consume a lower tier ability when crafted. Characters can have several higher-tiered abilities, but if they're in the same 'tree', then they'll have to re-craft the lower tiered ability again for each higher-tiered ability they want to have.

Historical

Badge time.png This article or section contains information about changes that took place in City of Heroes Freedom. It is provided for historical purposes.

External Links